Only Half the Story.... ABC News 6 Discovers Wood Fired Boilers

Good Evening Pandapas Friends. With some encouragement from 40 Oz, I am making my first post. What more appropriate a topic than one on alternative energy.... a topic germane to this blog I understand. 2 nights ago on ABC channel 6 there was a story about neighbors in North Smithfield embroiled in a conflict over wood boilers. One asserts his right to heat his house with wood (albeit with a terribly inefficient, polluting Central Boiler brand unit) and another who simply believes he is entitled to breath air free from smoke & combustion products. I decided to write channel 6 a letter using the "viewer feedback" section of their website, posted below. My point was to make them aware of the fact that it is possible for these 2 entitlements to peacefully coexist. Unfortunately wood burning often gets a bad rap because of irresponsible equipment manufacturers. The truth is that when used properly, it is an excellent renewable, and carbon neutral source of energy. A cord of good firewood can have over 30 million BTU's of stored energy, the equivalent of about 215 gallons of heating oil. With a few friends, a few beers, and some tunes on the Ibox, it is very realistic to gather 2 cords in a day. That is making a difference. Plus it's good exercise and good fun. Ok this is probably long enough. Here's the letter I sent.

Hello ABC News 6,
I am writing regarding the story yesterday about outdoor wood boilers causing pollution in North Smithfield. This is a growing problem throughout Northern regions of the country and Canada. Many municipalities have banned or restricted such wood burning boilers as a result. However, it is important not to categorize all such devices as inefficient pollution machines. If done responsibly, wood heating is better for the environment than the far more prevalent oil heating since it is a carbon-neutral process. The problem is that the EPA has thus far not regulated emissions from outdoor wood boilers, and this has led manufacturers to market cheap designs with horrible efficiency and emissions. At least 2 manufactures (of more than 20) have taken a more environmentally responsible approach and are selling wood boilers today that already exceed anticipated EPA legislation that is 2 years out. I own and operate one of these boilers at my residence. It produces perfectly clear exhaust and is nearly twice as efficient as many of the other manufacturers, such as the unit featured in N Smithfield. I would be happy to host a visit / demonstration if you wish to tell your viewers the other side of this local alternative energy story.

regards,

******** (flattires)